JUSTCOOL PhD Scholarship 2027 in China (Fudan, SJTU, Tongji)

The JUSTCOOL PhD Scholarship is a joint doctoral recruitment initiative by three of China's leading universities: Fudan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) and Tongji University. JUSTCOOL stands for Joint Examinations and Admissions for International Students to Top Chinese Universities: PhD Program. It aims to attract outstanding non-Chinese students to a five-year, research-focused doctoral programme taught entirely in English in Shanghai, and up to 90 doctoral students are admitted each year. HEC Pakistan is advertising this opportunity for Pakistani applicants, who apply directly through the official JUSTCOOL portal. Available Fields and Universities The programme focuses on fundamental sciences and offers PhD places in four majors: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology (Life Sciences). Students are admitted to one of the three partner universities, all located in Shanghai, which give access to modern laboratories and internationally recognised researchers. HEC's announcement presents their QS World University Rankings 2027 reputation positions as 26 for Fudan, 36 for SJTU and 146 for Tongji. What the Scholarship Offers According to the programme's published funding information, successful applicants receive a JUSTCOOL PhD fellowship, a full tuition waiver, free accommodation, research or teaching assistantships and free medical insurance. The monthly fellowship amount and airfare support have not been published, so applicants should confirm these details directly with the programme after receiving an offer. HEC states that it is only advertising this opportunity and has no financial liability. Because tuition and living support are both included, the JUSTCOOL PhD Scholarship is listed here as fully funded. Eligibility Criteria Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens holding a valid passport and majoring in one of the eligible disciplines, with a strong interest in long-term research in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Biology. They must obtain their Bachelor's degree between June 2026 and July 2027 and rank within the top 20 percent of their undergraduate cohort at the time of application. Because the programme accepts students directly after a Bachelor's degree, a Master's degree is not required. English proficiency can be shown by coming from an English-speaking country with English as the first language, by completing the undergraduate degree entirely in English, or with a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, TOEFL score of 90 or Duolingo English Test score of 110 taken within two years before the deadline. How to Apply The selection process has four stages. First, submit the online application through the official portal at justcoolphd.cn. Second, applicants who pass the preliminary document review are invited to a written entrance test. Third, candidates who perform well in the exam proceed to an interview. Finally, successful applicants can view their results and download the official electronic admission notice through the online application system. Prepare your academic records, language proficiency certificate and supporting materials well in advance. Deadlines The application window runs from 28 September 2026 to 14 November 2026. Submit your JUSTCOOL PhD Scholarship application before the portal closes at 24:00 Beijing time, which is 9:00 PM in Pakistan, and avoid waiting for the final day because the documents and language certificate take time to prepare. Visit the official JUSTCOOL website for full details and apply early for the JUSTCOOL PhD Scholarship in Shanghai.